Telling the stories behind the passionate pursuit of great beer since 2005.Do you need a copy of my book - Beer Lover's Mid-Atlantic?

Thursday, June 07, 2007

The Story of Virginia MacLean & Reunion Beer

While we have not known Virginia personally, this was a story that we've followed partly because it's a touching, human-interest story and partly because it hearkens back to our early days of craft beer drinking with Pete's Wicked Ale.
An e-mail has notified us that her life story has reached the next level. As we wish her friends and family well through this time, we will pop open our last bottle of the Reunion '07 beer tonight in her honor.
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Virginia MacLean
June 4, 2007
Our dear friend and partner in REUNION, Virginia MacLean died at her home early this morning. She was surrounded by family and at peace with her life and impending death. She is survived by her mother, 9 brothers and sisters, many nieces and nephews, and her beautiful 2-1/2 year old daughter, Paige.
Virginia was an extraordinary person. She faced her fight against Multiple Myeloma with strength, dignity, grace, and optimism. She was not only the inspiration for the REUNION project, but an active participant in every facet. Even as she realized the odds of her own survival were diminishing, she pushed harder and harder to make REUNION a success. She believed wholeheartedly in the work of Dr. Berenson and understood the value of bringing hope to others.
We are deeply saddened by her passing but know how fortunate we were to call Virginia our friend. We salute her spirit and will honor her wishes to continue this mission. We will be back with REUNION '08 to celebrate Virginia's life and hopefully aid IMBCR in finding a cure for this disease.
Thanks to the many of you that have supported our efforts by purchasing REUNION and for your generous donations. Together we can make a difference.
In loving memory,
Alan & Pete

2 comments:

Hi there. Today I went up my street as I saw an open house sign and was curious. I asked the realtor who had lived there and where they had moved. I was told the young lady who owned this home had died. Neighbors wandered in and a conversation began. I soon found out this lady had died from multiple myeloma. My heart sank. So young, and to have left such a young child. I have been dealing with this disease for a few years and regret I didn't have a chance to meet Virginia. l guess I am writing to say thanks for the donations for Dr. Berenson's research. I am sorry Virginia didn't respond to the treatments though it must have warmed her heart to know what you folks are doing in her honor . Kristi Peterson